I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed legislative amendments under ERO‑025‑0694, which would remove significant portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, including Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beach, and transfer them out of the PPCRA framework to facilitate tourism-focused development. My concerns are as follows:

1. Threat to Endangered Ecosystems

Much of the land slated for removal includes critical habitat for the endangered piping plover, significant wetlands, mature sand dunes, and provincially significant scientific areas such as “The Point”Altering or selling these lands undermines decades of species- at-risk protections and ecological stewardship.

2. Weakening of Park Protection Legislation

The proposed amendments would override Section 9(4) of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, which currently ensures legislative oversight and assembly approval before parks lose more than 1% of their area (or 50 hectares). Removing this safeguard sets a dangerous precedent for future parks across Ontario.

3. Environmental Impact vs. Economic Trade-off

The stated goal is to boost tourism and support local revitalization, but tourism enhancements can often be achieved without sacrificing protected lands. The ecological services of wetlands and dune buffers, like flood protection, wildlife habitat, and water filtration, are irreplaceable and foundational to long‑term sustainability.

Allowing this legislation to pass would erode public trust, dismantle essential environmental safeguards, and grail-limit our responsibility to preserve Wasaga Beach for future generations. I urge the government to withdraw these proposed changes, preserve public ownership of park lands, and integrate tourism plans that work with, not against, park protections.